Injury fears over keeper

Jun 4 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN goalkeeper Mark Howard is to undergo tests on a painful ankle injury.

Howard, 21, sustained the knock in St Mirren’s final SPL game of the 2008/09 campaign against Hamilton Accies and has been unable to shrug off the problem.

If the injury requires a lengthy recovery period, Saints could be facing a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the new season, which kicks off in just eight weeks’ time.

However, bosses at the Paisley club are hopeful that the blow isn’t too serious and Howard will be back between the sticks before long.

General manager Brian Caldwell said: “Mark is awaiting tests to see how his ankle is.

“We should have those results through in a few days.

“But we hope it’s not too serious.”

Howard was involved in a collision with French forward Joel Thomas just moments into the second half of the game against the Accies on May 23.

The former Arsenal goalie tried to intercept a David Barron passback but the Accies man burst into the box and caught him in a sickening collision.

Thomas was booked for the offence and Howard then bravely managed to play on for the rest of the game, despite his obvious discomfort.

If the goalkeeper needs any kind of surgery, it’s likely that he will miss the club’s pre-season preparations and possibly the first few weeks of the competitive campaign.

That would leave Buddies boss Gus MacPherson with a major selection headache.

Howard’s glove rival Chris Smith is already expected to be out of action until 2010 after he underwent reconstructive surgery on an injured knee.

And, with goalkeeping coach Paul Mathers the only other experienced stopper currently on board, MacPherson may have to consider making a new signing to star between the sticks.